وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُم بِهِۦ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ أَوْ أَكْنَنتُمْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ سَتَذْكُرُونَهُنَّ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تُوَاعِدُوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلَّآ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا ۚ وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا۟ عُقْدَةَ ٱلنِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ أَجَلَهُۥ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ فَٱحْذَرُوهُ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ 235
Translations
There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allāh knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allāh knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allāh is Forgiving and Forbearing.
Transliteration
Wa lā junāḥa 'alaykum fīmā 'arrāḍtum bihi min khiṭbati an-nisāʾi aw aknanatum fī anfusikum. 'Alima -llāhu annakum satadhkarūnahunna wa-lākin lā tuwaʿidūhunna sirran illā an taqūlū qawlan maʿrūfan. Wa lā taʿzimū ʿuqdata an-nikāḥi ḥattā yablugha al-kitābu ajalahu. Wa-ʿlamū anna -llāha yaʿlamu mā fī anfusikum faḥdharu. Wa-ʿlamū anna -llāha ghafūrun ḥalīm.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses etiquette regarding proposals to women during their ʿiddah (waiting period) after the death of a husband or divorce. While there is no sin in indirect hints or thoughts about marrying such women—for Allah knows such thoughts are natural—one must not make secret promises or commitments to them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the prohibition against 'aqd (finalizing the marriage contract) stands until the waiting period is complete, and one must observe propriety in all dealings, speaking only in recognized and lawful terms.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period as part of the comprehensive legislation on marriage, divorce, and women's rights. It follows verses addressing the ʿiddah period and aims to balance human nature with moral propriety, preventing exploitation of women in vulnerable circumstances while acknowledging the natural human inclination toward marriage.
Related Hadiths
The hadith from Jābir (Sahih Muslim) describes the Prophet's marriage to Umm Salamah during her ʿiddah through permissible indirect hints rather than direct proposals. Additionally, ʿUqbah ibn ʿĀmir narrated that the Prophet forbade secret agreements with women in waiting periods (Sunan an-Nasāʾī).
Themes
Key Lesson
This verse teaches that Allah is aware of our innermost thoughts and intentions, so we must be sincere and honorable even when unobserved by others. It emphasizes compassion for widows and divorced women by protecting them from exploitation while acknowledging natural human emotions regarding marriage.